MEET YOUR NEIGHBOR: Riley expands Neighbor Brigade to Bridgewater

Wednesday

Jul 27, 2011 at 12:01 AMJul 27, 2011 at 10:32 PM

Kimberly Riley, a senior marketing manager at Fidelity Investments in Rhode Island, recently founded the Bridgewater chapter of the Neighbor Brigade, a group of volunteers who lend a helping hand to families in town facing a sudden crisis. Riley lives in Bridgewater with her husband Patrick and their two children, Aidan, 13, and Brooke, 12.

Rebecca Hyman

Kimberly Riley, a senior marketing manager at Fidelity Investments in Rhode Island, recently founded the Bridgewater chapter of the Neighbor Brigade, a group of volunteers who lend a helping hand to families in town facing a sudden crisis. Riley lives in Bridgewater with her husband Patrick and their two children, Aidan, 13, and Brooke, 12.

What is the Neighbor Brigade?

The Neighbor Brigade is a network of volunteers that live in Bridgewater and assist individuals and families when they find their worlds suddenly turned upside down by a serious medical condition or other tragedy. Our chapters consist entirely of neighborhood volunteers who step in to help where immediate family and friends just can't do it all, from grocery shopping and meal delivery to car pooling and light house or yard work. Help is delivered quickly, caringly and completely free of charge with no strings attached.

What made you decide to start a Bridgewater chapter?

I decided to start a Bridgewater chapter because I know firsthand the generous spirit of this town. I'm continually impressed by how caring and compassionate my friends and neighbors are. I first heard of the Neighbor Brigade when my friend Karen lost her husband suddenly in April, and her life was all of a sudden spinning around her. The West Bridgewater chapter quickly rallied around her and prepared meals for her and her two boys, so when she went back to work, she didn't have to think about it. I thought to myself, that is perfect. So many times you hear of a friend or neighbor dealing with tragedy and you don't know what to do. The more we can reach out to our neighbors in need, the more we can make a difference and build a greater community!

How are you getting the word out about the Neighbor Brigade?

I have distributed flyers, posted on Facebook and reached out to the fire department, police department and library as well as emailed everyone in town that I could think of including various businesses. Once school is back in session, I will be contacting them as well. Feedback so far has been very positive, and everyone is ready and anxious to help, which is fantastic.

Has the Bridgewater Chapter been called on to help anyone in need yet?

Thankfully, not yet. That is good news. But we have a wonderful group of citizens and neighbors poised and ready to help when the need arises.

Introduce yourself Would you or someone you know from Bridgewater like to be profiled? If so, email rhyman@wickedlocal.com.